Now that the Patriots have employed Invoice O’Brien, it’s time for them to maneuver into the subsequent process: buying a real number-one weapon for Mac Jones.
In keeping with experiences, New England is torn internally on the thought of bringing a bonafide extensive receiver. Nevertheless, with the addition of O’Brien as offensive coordinator, a transfer like this might now be on the horizon as a way to take this offense to the subsequent stage.
There are many high-quality extensive receivers out there heading into 2023 – both by commerce or by means of free company. Listed here are 5 to keep watch over:
DeAndre Hopkins
2022 season stats (9 video games): 65 catches, 717 yards, 3 TDs
Getting this one out of the way in which first as he’s on the prime of everyone’s thoughts, however it sounds just like the Patriots are within the combine to amass DeAndre Hopkins from the Cardinals this offseason.
Arizona is reportedly trying to deal Hopkins and the remaining two years, $34.36 million left on his contract this offseason, and New England could possibly be a match. He and Invoice Belichick have proven an outward mutual respect for one another over time, and Hopkins’ no-trade clause means he has a say in his subsequent vacation spot.
He shall be 31 years previous in June, so age is actually an element right here – but when Hopkins and Invoice O can mend the damaged fence between them, he would tremendously assist Mac Jones heading into yr three.
Jerry Jeudy
2022 season stats (15 video games): 67 catches, 972 yards, 6 TDs
A primary-round decide in 2020, Jerry Jeudy has barely underperformed all through his three seasons in Denver, however the potential is totally there.
Jeudy has but to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season all through his younger profession, and the Broncos may look to deal him as he heads into the fourth season of his rookie deal.
Although they by no means performed collectively in Tuscaloosa, Jeudy and Mac Jones each performed within the Alabama offense – and their new offensive coordinator referred to as the system during the last two seasons. Placing these three collectively in Foxboro with their Crimson Tide familiarity could possibly be deadly within the AFC East.
Juju Smith-Schuster
2022 season stats (16 video games): 78 catches, 933 yards, 3 TDs
If you need a participant you may get on a team-friendly deal, then Juju Smith-Schuster is the best one for you. Regardless of being prime for a long-term payday, Juju has taken one-year offers with $8 million and $10.75 million respectively over the previous couple of seasons.
He’s simply 26 years previous and confirmed his value in Kansas Metropolis this season. Smith-Schuster caught 111 balls for 1,426 yards and seven TDs throughout his profession season in Pittsburgh in 2018. He possible needs to be near that manufacturing once more, and the Patriots would give him that chance.
Tee Higgins
2022 season stats (14 video games): 74 catches, 1,029 yards, 7 TDs
Tee Higgins is the goal that everyone ought to need right here – however he’s going to return at a steep value. Higgins has gone for 1,091 and 1,029 yards over the previous two seasons because the “#2” behind Jamarr Chase within the Bengals excessive powered offense – and is poised to be a primary someplace on this league.
Higgins is headed into the fourth yr of his rookie contract and doesn’t have a crew choice connected to his deal since he was a second-round decide. He may theoretically maintain out for a contract extension this offseason, which loads of over-performing gamers do, and Cincinnati may take heed to commerce provides. If this turns into the case, and New England can convey within the 24-year-old for the long run, then they need to pounce on it.
DJ Chark
2022 season stats (11 video games): 30 catches, 502 yards, 3 TDs
DJ Chark signed a one-year, $10 million cope with the Lions final offseason after being one of many prime go catchers available on the market popping out of Jacksonville.
Chark has handled accidents all through his profession, however was a 1,000-yard receiver throughout his one wholesome season in 2019. “De facto GM” Belichick is at all times searching for a deal, and the 26-year-old out of LSU could possibly be simply that heading into 2023.
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